WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and SportsEye care experts face off in W.Va. Legislature
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Associated Press - March 8, 2010 10:05 AM ET
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Ophthalmologists and optometrists are again facing off at the state Capitol, this time in a public hearing in the House of Delegates.
The two groups of eye care specialists are at odds over a bill that would allow optometrists to perform some types of laser surgery and give injections around the eye.
Ophthalmologists say those procedures should be limited to medical doctors. Although optometrists have doctorate-level degrees, they aren't MDs. One state, Oklahoma, allows optometrists to perform similar procedures.
The bill passed the Senate after a bitter fight. Speakers in the House chamber on Monday traded accusations of misleading claims and scare tactics.
If the measure passes the House Health and Human Resources Committee, it would come before the full chamber for a vote.
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